My first job landed me at a lumber company and brought with it many a time that I would watch a middle age man stick the bowl of his pipe deep into a bag of tobacco.As it emerged out of the bag,it was ready for a match with tobacco sloppily hanging over the top edge.He puffed hungrily like it were a race till all that remained was ash.One upside-down tap of the pipe took care of the ash and the pipe roughly placed back in a pocket with out care.Is that how it always was with the older generation and there pipes?It seems now since joining this site that times must have changed from quickly feeding an addiction,to the present where we perfectly pack our our favorite pipe with our chosen packer and specially prepared tobacco and light it with our preferred choice of flame simply for enjoyment.Has pipe smoking changed with time?
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Pipes Magazine » General Discussion
Serious question.Has pipe smoking changed with time?
(31 posts)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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To me that depends, when I am working outside I always have my cob with me. I mistreat the hell out of that thing. I beat it on the sole of my boot, and also stuff it how you described. With that said, when I have one of my better pipes on me I take better care and concern with how it is treated. I really just think it is the situation that we are in (well at least me) that determines the treatment of our pipes.
Why does it seem that todays youth has added lead paintchips to their daily diet!?!Posted 1 year ago # -
I started smoking in the latter half of the 60's, and already, pipesters were focusing on artisan pipes -- especially the Danish freehands that Preben Holm popularized in the U.S. by virtue of his liaisons with Snug Harbor and Lane Ltd.
That was a time when $100 could get you a really fancy pipe, but it was considered obscenely expensive (not to mention somewhat ostentatious -- at least on campus.) So nobody I knew abused those pipes, if they had them. But, everyone had a rack of Medico's, Kaywoodie's and Grabow's, among other "everyman" pipe brands; and in the under $5.00 price bracket, they weren't treated with any particular care (that I recall.)
Absent the internet at that time, tobacco choices were pretty much restricted to what you could find in a drugstore; and for me, a special trip to a downtown B&M, the only alternative, was a fairly rare event. What has changed dramatically since then is the variety and accessibility of wonderful natural tobaccos.
To guarantee a moist, fresh, consistent tobacco product that may sit on the shelf for a long time, drugstore blend manufacturers rely on PG, sorbital, glycerol, poly-phenal-doodle-poop and who knows what else, in addition to artificial flavorings and aromas that improve the wife's acceptance factor. Today's online smokers have many more unadulterated blend choices than even a local B&M could stock back then.
Of course, coming up during those times of limited choice, some of us actually developed a taste for drugstore aromatics; and today even artisan blenders will concede to the demand, couching the practice in euphemisms such as "top-dressed" or "flavored", though I think chemical adulteration, sweeteners, and flavorings are very restricted in modern non-aromatics.
Well, that's my take on how pipe smoking has changed during my time.
(OK, I made up the part about the poly-phenal-doodle-poop.)ps. In my circle, at least, no one used, or even heard of a pipe nail. Tamping was done with the fingertip. You let the charring light go out completely, you tamped, relit, and smoked long enough to build up some insulating ash. One still developed a callous, and it hurt if you were careless, but that's how we did it. I have long since become a wussy pipe nail user like you young whippersnappers.
I find myself sitting idly on the line dividing past and future,
as if I could kill time without injuring eternity. -- ThoreauPosted 1 year ago # -
I'm starting to understand the history of the sixties a lot better now,of which I must say is very interesting in a world of pipe smokers without internet.
Posted 1 year ago # -
ernest,
You bring up a great discussion point. When I was growing up in the 60's and 70's the only pipe smoker I knew was my uncle. He was a "grab your falcon pipe into a bucket of Half and Half then fill the room with that wonderful smell" kind of guy. As kids we'd watch him fascinated by the swirls of smoke. He never polished his pipes, he just replaced them when they finally broke. It was something he did, not something he pursued. He was the one who gave me my first pipe at 17 because for years I used to pretend to smoke his while I was at his house. After that, I got more and more interested in pipes and worked in pipe shops on and off for fun since the early 80's. Most of the people I sold to wanted 1Q and a cheap to mid range pipe for smoking. They didn't want to be collectors. All my buddies picked up a pipe and smoked occasionally - as smokers, not collectors. It's now 20 years since the 80's ended and now I'm the only one left who I know in person that still smokes a pipe. The only pipe smokers I know are online or at pipe shows and those people very much tend to be pipe afficianado's. It's something they pursue, not just something they do. (I still jam my pipe into the pouch and fill it with one finger to smoke it - force of habit and I do it well. Smoker or collector, I think most just develop a quick filling method. I have no interest in trying new fill methods.) Times have changed.
A tattoo on a beautiful woman is like graffiti on a Ferrari.Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes! It used to be a man had one or two pipes, smoked the same blend and fed his "N" habit. Now it has become a hobby, where we collect pipes, blends, and with the internet, we all talk about pipes. It did not used to be that way. I don't know which time was better, I have lived pipe smoking both ways.
Posted 1 year ago # -
hauntedmyst-I am also,like yourself,not aware of anyone personally that smokes a pipe.It almost seems Erie.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Its kind of like coffee. Once upon a time everyone just bought the cheapest coffee at the store and boiled up a pot at home. Now you see the gourmet blenders on every corner with lines of people to buy a latte, cappucino, etc. Pipes have also gone gourmet with numerous exotic blends, and so have cigars with an endless selection of hand rolled beauties. We live in the age of gourmet tobacco and coffee. Enjoy!
And as to getting to know some pipe smokers, there are many clubs and shows around the country. Like here in Chicago.
http://www.chicagopipeshow.comPosted 1 year ago # -
My paternal grandfather was the only pipe smoker I knew as a child. He had a lazy susan pipe rack that held 7 pipes, one for each day of the week. There was a cob or two that were his yard pipes. One blend, Half and Half. 300 years ago, pipe smokers broke off the used end of the tavern's clay pipe and had at it.
So, I'd say pipe smoking has changed over the years.I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane.Posted 1 year ago # -
My Dad was the only pipe smoker in our family.
He had usually 4 Kaywoodie pipes but only smoked one,day after day. He smoked Sir Walter Raleigh, kept the metal tub in his closet and refilled a gravity fed type pouch daily.
A few years before he quit he pipe, he switched to Half and Half. I wished I would have asked him why he switched.
When I started 35 years ago, I smoked Captain Black White and Sir Walter Raleigh. Later I discovered a Tinder Box and the many different blends to try. The Latakia Dark Side was strong.
Unlike my Dad, I do consider this a hobby, many pipes and many blends to try.
cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.......
martinPosted 1 year ago # -
I love this thread.
Very interesting Cortez, and porshcigar.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Pipe Smoking should be described as a 'movement'. If it does not describe itself as such it is doomed to disaster.
"A pipe gives a wise man time to think and a fool something to stick in his mouth." - C.S. LewisPosted 1 year ago # -
Yes, Pipe smoking continues to evolve, which has given us more choices than what
someone chooses to stock at the local B&M or drug store. The way we use, maintain
and acquire Pipes and blends has evolved as a result of increased communication
and access. In my lifetime, Ed Kolpin's Tinderbox franchises brought more choice
and availability to many of us. The '70's saw a huge increase in the quality of
Meerschaum Pipes, with CAO, Golden Horn and Pioneer leading this trend. The embargo
brought demands to Turkish Carvers for greater artistic achievement and production,
which is still alive today. The Meerschaum industry now is faltering. There are no
Carver's apprentices and the new generation of labor has elected to follow different
career paths than what the mines can provide. Private collectors such as myself,
focus on Meerschaums that can be smoked, while high end art goes wanting for patrons.
For now, the choices are in ample supply, but the future is uncertain. The choice
of Pipe tobacco blends is ample at present, but the future bodes increasing prices
and diminished availability. These are the Good Old Days.Posted 1 year ago # -
There wasn't a lot of extra money for luxury items, in the 30's and 40's.
My grandparents and parents rarely ate at a resturant. Thrift stores, yard sales, and such were rare, items were always used up and worn out before it would be given away.
Used clothes were passed down to children, then became patches for sewing repairs, then became wash rags.
Pipe smoking was a utilitarian way to consume tobacco, so the pipe was more "tool" than art object. My grandfather would think my own pipe collection an extravagant waste of money.
As people had more disposable income, almost everything changed.
Cortez's obsevations are spot on.
Fred's are likely spot on too, but depressing.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." - Claire WolfePosted 1 year ago # -
This is a great topic with some great discussions!
"When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty;
When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny." - Thomas JeffersonPosted 1 year ago # -
I think it's important to remember too that in the 60's and 70's smoking, in general, was a far more acceptable practice than it is to-day!! I mean EVERYONE smoked!!! Rothman's and Peter Styversant were the BIG sponsors of sporting events!! Smoke products, good pipes and pipe tobacco, was available in great abundance at the local cafe or store!!
Yes, to-day we have the internet but countries generally have very strict import regulations imposed against the import (via internet or other) of tobacco products. In my case I've really got to travel around to buy good pipes or even my favourite tobacco!! Yes, things have changed radically!!!
Posted 1 year ago # -
I should think Pretoria or Johannesburg should have some pretty complete B&M's.
But I can understand that taxes and tariffs could tear a huge hole in your wallet.Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi Guys,
Ernest, I'm not attempting to HiJack your string.
I believe that the question you posed required something more than just an anecdotal answer/response.
I do apologize for the inadvertent "smily face" that appeared in my blog post instead of
and the one missing "I".I have attempted to answer your "serious" question.
Thank you Ernest for this excellent string.Here is the link to my response: Dottle Diggers
Posted 1 year ago # -
I wonder....
How much did movies and TV shows influence a switch from pipes to cigarettes? In many "old" movies you often see someone smoke a pipe, but in newer ones they usually smoke cigarettes.
As how to pipe smoking itself has changed I can only use myself as an example. When I was in the army the pay was poor so I bought a cheap pipe and cheap OTC blends. I didn't pay much attention to packing a pipe or cleaning it. I just needed the nicotine.
Now when I have a bit more disposable income I buy more expensive pipes and blends and take great care in cleaning and packing my pipes.
Posted 1 year ago # -
For a good source of information, in likely the most exhaustive and comprehensive
effort to date, I recommend reading:
Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization, by Iain GatelyIain has also been part of the History Channel's documentary on this same subject,
and has been referenced in more than a few articles and publications. It's a
great read, made enjoyable by Gately's humor and wit.Posted 1 year ago # -
Pstlpkr Said: I do apologize for the inadvertent "smily face" that appeared in my blog post instead of
and the one missing "I".You can go into your blog posts and edit them to fix any typos.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks Bob,
Even Moderators need a little help now and then....
Posted 1 year ago # -
ernest wrote>>..... a time that I would watch a middle age man stick the bowl of his pipe deep into a bag of tobacco.As it emerged out of the bag,it was ready for a match with tobacco sloppily hanging over the top edge.He puffed hungrily like it were a race till all that remained was ash.One upside-down tap of the pipe took care of the ash and the pipe roughly placed back in a pocket with out care.Is that how it always was with the older generation and there pipes?>>
----------------------------------------------that's the way i remember it--no three step fills--no polishing--barely any cleaning--times have definitely changed--
as another on this thread stated, i also still dip the pipe in the pouch and pack it by feel alone--
many of the men i grew up among grew their own weed, and most of them gave it minimum curing--stout stuff--
i was raised by and among that older breed for whom the pipe was merely an instrument to use, not an object of art--my habits with the pipe have changed a bit, but basically i tend to revert to the days of my youth if i'm not careful--
cobs, old briars, and burleyPosted 1 year ago # -
I could not help but feel as if I were missing out on some sort of experience,and I now know what it is.I think I had myself conditioned mentally and methodically,thinking that there were conditions that had to be met when reaching for my pipe.Things are going to change before the sun sets tonight.I am going out today to buy a cheap pipe(might I add I'm throwing the filter away)and I will keep it on me with some tobacco.I will practice the load and light method with one swift motion.I will wait as long as possible before cleaning it.I will only be using my finger to pack it,so hopefully I get quite a few burns to get a good callus build-up quickly.I think that will bring a little bit of history into the present and my enjoyment will be even that much greater.I will save "Being refined" for those quiet times in my reclining chair.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Sound like a plan to me Ernest.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I definately think pipe smoking has changed over time. And rightfully so. The unchanged things however, appear to be the pleasure gained from doing so. Again, rightfully so.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I first picked up a pipe in 1966. We had the "British Invasion" in music and the "Danish Invasion" in the pipe community. I was a college student and freeforms were everywhere, the bigger the better. Hugh Hefner,who was nearly always pictured with a pipe, and his various columns in "Playboy" were the ultimate word in sophistication and we read him avidly.
We loved all the little details of properly packing and lighting a pipe since they attracted attention from those around us (VERY important to an 18 year-old would-be sophisticate). It didn't hurt that half of those around us were young college girls. We looked down on the "lowly" cigarette smokers around us and sneered at anyone who couldn't give a 5 minute dissertation on the relative merits of Amphora vs. Sail. The cigar boom wouldn't hit for a couple of decades and they were mostly reserved for all-night poker games.
All in all, we were quite impressed with ourselves and our new-found toys. (I'm not sure that too many others were but that was their problem, not ours.)
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
-- Thomas JeffersonPosted 1 year ago # -
kcvet67 said>> "Hugh Hefner,who was nearly always pictured with a pipe, and his various columns in "Playboy"
Thats it!! I started a thread a few days ago in regard to how one would decorate a smoking room.I think a couple of those pictures would be a great idea.Posted 1 year ago # -
There were columns in Playboy?
Posted 1 year ago # -
mlaug, I promise that I only buy playboy for the articles.... Naked pictures of extremely hot girls do absolutely nothing for me. (My wife is reading this over my shoulder, give me a break!)
Mason jars and bale top jars, mason jars and bale top jars.... that is all!
"There’s truth in the statement that pipe tobacco will never be any less expensive than it is today, so think of your cellar as a cost averaged investment" - G.L. PeasePosted 1 year ago # -
ANOTHER REASON I remain single!!!!
If at first you don't succeed you are running about average.Posted 1 year ago #
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